Mississippi defensive back Cody Prewitt (25) attempts to block a field goal during an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014. Ole Miss won 23-17. (DM Photo | Cady Herring )
Ever since Saban took the helm in Tuscaloosa in 2007, Alabama has had 49 players drafted in the NFL Draft, 20 of them offensive players and 29 on defense. Under Saban, Alabama has been in the top five in recruiting classes since the start of the 2008 season. Alabama has won three national championships, three Southeastern Conference championships and five SEC West championships under Saban.
It’s safe to say that Alabama has been the best program in college football since Saban left the Miami Dolphins for Tuscaloosa.
However, this years’ Crimson Tide team is drastically different than last years’ SEC champs. Alabama returns only three starters on offense and five on their vaunted defense. Even with the change in personnel, there are familiar faces on both sides of the ball that will have a big impact on the outcome of Saturday’s primetime showdown in Tuscaloosa.
The Alabama offense is led by junior running back Derrick Henry. Henry played second fiddle last season to former running back T.J. Yeldon. The Ole Miss defense held Henry in check last season in Oxford as Henry ran it 17 times for only 37 yards. But Yeldon is no longer there, and Henry is now the feature back in a run-heavy offense. In his first two games of the season, Henry has 243 rushing yards and six touchdowns, leading the SEC in touchdowns and second in rushing yards. At 6-foot-3 inches and 242 pounds, Henry is a load to take down, but it’s also his speed that makes him lethal as a runner. The majority of the game plan will focus on stopping Henry, but he’s not the only weapon on offense.
Henry is complemented by senior running back Kenyan Drake. Drake is a threat not only as a runner, but also as a receiver. Drake is the leading receiver for the Tide with seven catches for 139 yards and one score. Drake is behind Henry in rushing with 117 yards and one touchdown. Drake suffered a season-ending leg injury at Ole Miss last season. Expect Drake to be featured a good amount Saturday.
The quarterback situation is a little hazy— senior Jake Coker and sophomore Cooper Bateman both struggled against Middle Tennessee last week. Coker looks to be the guy for Alabama against Ole Miss even with his struggles. Look for offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin to give Coker confidence early with short passes and screens to build momentum throughout the game.
Alabama has always been built around a strong running game on offense and a big, physical defense to punish their opponents. The Alabama defense is led by their linebackers in senior Reggie Ragland and junior Reuben Foster. Ragland leads the defense with 21 total tackles and Foster is tied for second with 10 total tackles. The defensive line is also strong with junior A’Shawn Robinson and senior Jarran Reed. The Alabama front seven is one of the best in the country, so the running game and pass protection for Ole Miss may struggle at times.
Here’s the bottom line: Alabama is loaded with talent and the Rebels haven’t won in Tuscaloosa since 1988.
